We’re currently living in an era where technology is at the frontier of everything. It is shaping the notions of power and influence. The global powers such as the USA, China and EU have established their firm presence in the digital sphere. From free internet to state controlled cyberspace. Navigating this field alone is no longer easy. In fact, its even more challenging. For states like Pakistan, this cyber maze is not just a test of digital sovereignty or national security. It is a testimony of who benefits from this structure.
The multipolar world order has blurred the lines between territorial and digital influence. The global cyber rivalry is not confined to the digital realm anymore. Its reach has extended further into domains of trade, diplomacy and even public discourse. For Pakistan, this could mean only one thing. Where is Pakistan’s cyber policy standing as of now?
A Brief Timeline of Pakistan’s Cyber Policy:
The cyber policy of Pakistan has underwent changes in response to the digital environment. There are many important cyber laws present. The National Response Center for Cyber Crimes. was established in 2007. It tackles cybercrimes and promotes use of technology in an efficient way. The 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) deals with serious online offenses such as cyberbullying, harassment, frauds and online hate.
The 2021 National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) works with the National CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) to tackle cybercrimes against digital threats. Through efficient cybercrime responses and capacity-building it works to maintain digital security of the state. Moreover, the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority oversees online conduct. It ensures that every online content complies with Pakistani laws. It also blocks and removes unlawful content. These laws highlight Pakistan’s active involvement in cyber space. But the intention behind their implementation has been questioned many times.
Is Cyber Policy About Security or Control?
From a domestic perspective, it is not entirely clear whether Pakistan’s cyber strategy is controlling narratives or protecting the states national and digital sovereignty. During political protests, the Pakistani government has banned social media platforms like X and even internet shutdowns in some cities. But this has raised concerns over digital rights and freedom of expression from the public. Even the Amnesty Human Rights Report on Pakistan highlighted the decline of online freedom.
These actions are often justified as an act to protect and maintain national security. Internet and media ban is a common tool used by many governments during political protests. But such acts raise several question marks when the digital rights and freedom of people are undermined. This also raises concerns over the purpose behind cyber policies and if they are really there for security or control.
How are Global Powers Shaping the Cyber Space?
The multipolar world has transformed cyber space into a strategic battlefield. The global cyber rivalry is centered around dominance in digital infrastructure. For this, major powers like the USA, EU and China have emerged with their own digital governance models. These models are used as tools of influence over emerging states. While the USA advocates for tech freedom. It involves multi-stakeholders and is driven by individual freedom and innovation. The big US tech giants like Google and Meta reflects this model.
The European Union model prioritizes privacy of its individuals. The General Data & Protection Regulation is right-based. It upholds data protection and security of the people. In contrast to these two, the Chinese model involves state monitoring and surveillance. All three models have different interpretations of digital governance. This highlights how cyber rivalry is no longer abstract. For developing states like Pakistan that are seeking digital sovereignty, this puts them in a difficult spot.
Pakistan’s Alignment in the Multipolar World Order:
Pakistan’s cyber strategy appears to be a mix of these models. But most of the existing academic literature on Pakistan’s cyber policy is scattered. On first glance, Pakistan’s cyber model resembles the digital model of China. The use of Huawei in Safe City Projects, CPEC and many other forms of surveillance tools like facial recognition. The ban of social media during protests and removal of content in the name of propaganda. These factors are similar to the Chinese way of digital governance.
But on the same side of the coin, Pakistan’s cyber strategy is also under pressure from the West. Concerns have been raised over erosion of digital freedom and rights by international media. Although the country has embedded Chinese technologies and firewalls in its infrastructure, it also relies heavily on wester media platforms. Unlike China where platforms like Google are banned. Pakistan relies heavily on these platforms.
From a geopolitical standpoint, it seems that Pakistan’s cyber policy is tilted towards China. But it also appears to be in a tug-of-war between the Chinese and Western influence. The internet shutdowns and media bans reflect Chinese model which is opposite to western of digital freedom. This suggests that although Pakistan’s cyber laws like PECA exist, they fall short on implementation. And even if such laws are implemented, they are mostly reactive instead of strategic.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s Cyber Policy:
The future direction for Pakistan in this cyber maze is not grim. By taking into account the geopolitical and public dilemma, Pakistan has to first build a clear vision for its cyber ecosystem. It’s clear that the country is standing at a critical midpoint of global cyber rivalries. On one side, surveillance and control are observed. While the other side encourages for safe practice of digital and human rights. Yet, Pakistan is standing at the crossroads of these powers with no clear direction.
The cyber laws are present yet their implementation appears to be selective. A clear vision is needed for the sake of digital sovereignty. Lack of long-term vision can deteriorate the digital space. What Pakistan needs now are cyber strategies that are rule-based and follow proper principles. It’s important for Pakistan to define its digital sovereignty in clear terms with a clear digital roadmap.
Conclusion:
In todays multipolar world, cyberspace has become an area of competition between states. It is no longer just about political or military might but also in digital power. Where big global powers are dominating this landscape, the emerging states are not in the position to be left behind. Pakistan’s cyber strategy although a bit complex, is seen following both the Chinese and Western style. This global cyber rivalry presents Pakistan with the opportunity to place itself at the frontier of digital governance. But for this Pakistan must carefully chose which approach it needs to adapt.
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